Cosmetic dentistry offers a wide range of treatments designed to improve the appearance of your teeth, from simple procedures to complex treatments that require specialised care. While most are primarily done for aesthetic purposes, some do have restorative benefits.
A cosmetic dentist can develop a treatment plan for you. Depending on your need, the specialist can recommend one of the following procedures:
Teeth Whitening
Over the years, food, drinks, medication, and smoking can stain your teeth. This is inevitable and no amount of brushing or flossing can prevent it. Without any dental intervention, your teeth would gradually get discolorations.
If you are looking for a simple and inexpensive way to enhance your smile, teeth whitening are your best option. It involves bleaching your teeth with in-office products to remove stains and discolorations. Over-the-counter bleaching products are available, but it is best to consult a professional for best results.
Inlays and Onlays
Also known as indirect fillings, these dental solutions are made from composite resin material and bonded to the teeth using dental cement. They are used by the cosmetic dentist to prevent further deterioration of decaying teeth. Inlays are used to treat mild to moderately decayed teeth, while those with more substantial damage are treated with onlays.
Dental Bonding
In dental bonding, the cosmetic dentist uses putty-like resin with the same color as natural teeth to treat decayed, damaged, or discolored teeth. In this treatment, the dental material is bonded to the teeth and cured by a laser of UV light.
Similar to inlays and onlays, dental bonding effectively covers the damage to the teeth. This gives the problematic teeth a healthy look while protecting it from further deterioration. It is also one of the least expensive dental solutions to worn, chipped, cracked, or decaying teeth.
Dental Crown or Cap
A dental crown or cap is used to replace teeth with extensive decay or damage. It is fitted over the gum line and made to look like your natural teeth in many ways. The size, shape, color, and even texture is painstakingly replicated. It is even as strong and durable as real teeth. The materials commonly used for dental crowns or caps are resin, ceramic, or porcelain fused to metal.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are wafer-thin shells used to cover the front surface of the teeth. They are customised from porcelain or resin to match the look of natural teeth, from their color to their texture, and even the way light reflects on them.
In this procedure, about half a millimetre of enamel is removed from the tooth surface to make room for the enhancement. Once the surface is ready, the dental veneer is bonded using dental cement. Finishing touches are made once it is bonded to make it look like natural teeth. It is extremely effective in treating minor damages and decays, as well as discolorations.
Dental Implants
Implants are the final stage in dental restoration and the perfect solution for loss of teeth. In this treatment, the dentist will insert titanium screws into the jaw. Once this heals, it will serve as the anchor for the replacement set of teeth.
Over the years, several improvements have been made on the procedure, making it less invasive, more affordable, and a more viable option for people suffering from tooth loss.
